Best Cheap Earbuds of 2018

Are you in the market for the best cheap earbuds, but with the overwhelming choices aren’t sure what to buy? In this buying guide of the best cheap earbuds you’ll find some great options. You’ll see that you can get good value at a cheap price point. To make your purchase easier we have sourced the product into 3 different price categories. This should help you make a purchase that will come in on budget.

To help you understand how to select the right earbuds for your requirements we have taken the time to share the best buying considerations to make. These are the quality of materials used, audio quality, brand, and comfort. When all of these factors are considered it is far easier to end up with the right earbuds for your requirements.

Additionally, to help you decide if you actually need the best cheap earbuds we will identify the target market for this product. You’ll see that there are particular uses for this product category and by understanding what they are can help you decide if it’s a purchase worth making.

By the time you finish reading this buying guide we are confident that you’ll have a good idea of how to buy the right earbuds and make a choice from the excellent list provided here.

Top buying considerations

Audio quality

The price might be cheap, but you should still seek to get earbuds that offer a decent level of audio quality. We have done a good job of picking out the earbuds in the marketplace that are punching above their weight and offer better audio quality than their price point might suggest.

The audio drivers should be considered, and also the level of noise isolation. Earbuds with an in-ear canal have the potential to deliver great noise isolation and that improves the clarity of the audio experience in noisy environments.

However, at the budget range do not expect industry leading audio quality. To get accurate bass and a wide frequency range you’ll need to check out another buying guide with higher priced models.

Comfort

The comfort is one of the commonly overlooked aspects of buying earbuds, but that is counterproductive. The comfort is one of the most important factors, because it can be very cumbersome to wear earbuds that quickly hurt the ears or keep falling out.

Ideally a secure fit should be obtained so that you can move your head vigorously and be confident that the earbuds will not fall out of place. Furthermore, the number of eartips provided will dictate how easily you can get that customized fit. Some brands offer 3 eartips while others up to 6.

When the fit is 100% the quality of the noise isolation is improved. It makes sense, because when there is an air gap audio can creep in from the surroundings and that leads to a subpar experience.

Durability

The durability is one of the worst aspects of buying cheap earbuds, because in some models it can be very poor. You buy the earbuds at a low cost, but they soon break and you have to go out looking for another pair. This can be highly frustrating and leaves you with gaps where you have no personal audio solution while you’re waiting for the new earbuds to arrive.

In this buying guide you’ll find some excellent options when it comes to the durability. Therefore, they can take a beating before they will begin to give in. The common problems are the tearing of the wire that can lead to loose connections and that leads to poor quality audio, or the product breaking altogether.

Ideally the warranty information should be looked at so that you can judge if the brand has placed a level of trust in the product they are offering. At the budget level a warranty of at least one year is desirable.

Wireless connectivity

You’ll be surprised to know that in the budget category you can opt for earbuds that offer wireless connectivity. Using Bluetooth you can connect to your laptop, tablet or smartphone and listen to audio without the hassle of wires.

When buying a wireless product consider the battery life that’s provided. It would be highly frustrating if there is a short battery life that constantly requires charging. Fortunately, the battery technology in recent years has dramatically improved and you can now expect to find earbuds that provide up to 10 hours of battery life.

Also consider the implementation of the Bluetooth technology. Ideally get 4.0 or a later version as that ensures the reliability of the audio quality will be good. Bluetooth earbuds are compatible with any Bluetooth enabled device and the time to setup connectivity is typically very short.

Accessories

The main accessories that you’d want with earbuds are the eartips and a soft storage pouch as these increase the value of the purchase. The soft storage pouch allows earbuds to be kept safe while not in use. Earbuds are one of those products that are prone to damage – mostly because of their small size. However, when hidden away in the pouch the chances of damage is minimal.

Eartips should come in different sizes so that you can get the right fit for your ear size. Furthermore, silicone eartips should be offered, but a choice of materials is great so you can pick what you like the feel of the most.

Who should buy the best cheap earbuds?

Low budget

The buyer with a low budget should take a look at the various products on this list as for a small fee you can get as nice piece of technology. Buying a budget option is great if you need a backup personal audio solution when travelling, or perhaps you are saving up for a more expensiveearbuds and in the mean time need an alternative.

Also if you are buying the earbuds for your kids then the cheap version might be a good idea. Kids tend to break stuff, which means that buying an inexpensive earbud just make sense.

For exercise

When taking part in exercise listening to music is a great way to disconnect, however you might be worried that the earbuds will break after constant use. In that case you can buy cheap earbuds that have a secure fit and are suitable for sports.

For this use ensure that wireless earbuds are chosen so that you can have freedom of movement. Without wires the ability to go jogging and lift weights is just a more pleasant experience.

Value for money

Buyers looking to get the best deal for the money spent might find that the budget options are the best choice for them. For example, if you mostly listen to podcasts and radio, then acquiring expensive earbuds with superb bass might be an overkill.

Also users that find that they cannot appreciate the audio quality that comes with more expensive product could save money and buy a cheap version. If you do not have high exceptions or demands a purchase in the budget category is the smart way to go.

Best Cheap Earbuds By Budget:

Best Cheap Earbuds Under $10

Is price a big concern for your purchase and you need thecheapest possible option that’s available? Then under the $10 category is where you should be looking, because for a dirt cheap price you can get earbuds that are serviceable.

However, don’t expect industry leading audio quality or high levels of durability for the products here. The comfort of the under $10 product is decent and should give you enough comfort for multiple hours of use.

1. Simptech Sports Earbuds

These earbuds comes with flexible earhooks that help provide a comfortable and stable experience. In addition, the ergonomically designed eartips slide into your ears smoothly and stay in firmly, which helps when traveling as you won’t have to adjust the earbuds often.

Moreover, the Simptech Sports Earbuds have 9.2mm high level drivers built-in that help output amazing deep bass, treble, and mids. Plus, the earbuds use HIFI sound surrounding filters, which reduces ambient noise around you. Due to the noise reduction making calls is a delight as you will be able to hear the caller in full HD audio.

Furthermore, the earbuds use tensile twisted corded wires that have better durability than most standard cords. On the cable there are multiple buttons, which can be used to play and pause music. Also, there is an in-built HD microphone that can be used to take calls without having to reach for your device.

To conclude, the Simptech Sports Earbuds are excellent for when you need to take calls on the go, because it has an in-built high definition microphone. Also, the sound is superb as it is using 9.2mm drivers, which can output high bass and treble. In addition, the earbuds are noise reducing using sound filters to minimize ambient sounds around you.

Tech Specs

Weight: 3.2 ounces

Noise isolating: Yes

Wireless: No

Warranty: 2 years

The Pros

Durable cable

In-built microphone

Comfortable to wear

The Cons

Sound can be a little high pitched

Falls out of ear when doing intense activates

2. Panasonic RP-HJE120-PPK Stereo Earbuds

Depending on your needs the Panasonic RP-HJE120-PPK Stereo Earbuds can be bought with the microphone or without one. In addition, you can choose between 9 different colors to better suit your style and personality.

Moreover, the ergofit design provides an ultimate snug fit and long lasting product. In the box you will receive three different pairs of ultra-soft earpads, which guarantees a perfect fit for everyone. Also, the cord length is 3.6 feet making it great to slide under your shirt so that the wire won’t get in the way.

In addition, the wider frequency response helps provide a fuller listening experience, because now you will be able to hear more notes in a beat. The high quality drivers with the eartips help send sound waves directly to your ears without any interruptions, thus you will hear audio the way it was intended to be heard.

In summary, the Panasonic RP-HJE120-PPK Stereo Earbud is an excellent budget product, because of the cool features. The cable is long enough to run down your shirt when doing outdoor activities, and the eartips fit in nicely. In addition, you can personalize the earbuds to your style, since you can select the color and sizes.

Tech Specs

Weight: 0.16 ounces

Noise isolating: No

Wireless: No

Warranty: 2 years

The Pros

Customizable to your style

Long lasting

Comfortable to wear

The Cons

Drivers sometimes can’t keep up with beats at full volume

Not noise isolating

3. MAYAMA Wired Magnetic Metal Sport Earbuds

The MAYAMA Wired Magnetic Metal Sport Earbuds are excellent for people with small ears, because of the small cute eartips that come in three personalized sizes. The in-ear angle is specially designed to secure a snug fit and keeps the eartips from falling out. Also, when sweating the eartips sit firmly inside the ear canal making them great for workouts.

In addition, these earbuds are lightweight, because they are made from strong aluminium. Plus, they are sweatproof and somewhat waterproof, which makes them a great option for people looking for a sports budget earbud.

Moreover, the cable cord is long enough to run down your shirt and into your pocket making the wires less distractive when moving. Also, the earbuds have a built-in microphone that you can use hands-free to answer or decline calls.

In conclusion, the MAYAMA Wired Magnetic Metal Sport Earbuds are built to last with sturdy eartips and copper cables. The eartips squeeze tightly into the ear canal allowing you to do fast movements without any fear of them falling out. Also, the earbuds are sweatproof making them a great option to take on long runs.

Tech Specs

Weight: 1.92 ounces

Noise isolating: Yes

Wireless: No

Warranty: N/A

The Pros

Sweatproof

Comfortable to wear

Eartips won’t fall out

The Cons

Volume buttons are not compatible with all devices

Microphone quality could be better

Best Cheap Earbuds Under $25

For a blend of value and performance the under $25 category is where you should be looking. Earbuds for just $25 can provide nice bass and even wireless connectivity. Therefore, in this category you’ll be able to buy options that are suitable for sports.

However, you need to understand that the audio quality is not as good as earbuds at considerably higher price points. The durability of the earbuds in this category is great and should last you for multiple years without displaying problems.

4. Anker SoundBuds Slim Wireless Earbuds

The Anker SoundBuds Slim Wireless Earbuds have been designed with 6mm precision drivers. The Bluetooth 4.1 technology offers powerful stable connections, which have little to no interruptions. Moreover, the lightweight design is comfortable and customizable with an array of different size eartips.

Moreover, on a single full charge they can last up to 7 hours at full volume, which is more than enough when traveling, doing sports, or other outdoor activities. Also, the earbuds have a water resistant rating of IPX5, which makes them great to wear in any weather. The Nano coating provides a layer of water and sweat protection, thus keeping the drivers inside safe.

Furthermore, in the box you will receive SoundBuds Slim eartips in 4 different sizes (XS, S, M, L) and three different sized earhooks for a personalized fit. Also, you will be presented with a traveling pouch, which you can use to protect the earbuds when not in use.

To summarize, these earbuds are excellent for outdoor use, because they are water resistant with a rating of IPX5. In addition, the earhooks come in three different sizes, which guarantees a personalized fit. Also, the Bluetooth connection technology is stable and provides little to zero interruptions when listening to music.

Tech Specs

Weight: 0.16 ounces

Noise isolating: Yes

Wireless: Yes

Warranty: 2-3 years

The Pros

Stable connections

Long battery life

waterproof

The Cons

Battery life gets shorter over time

Easily breakable

5. Brainwavz Delta Noise Isolating Earphones

Braunwavz provides high quality earbuds specifically designed to output superb music with its 8mm dynamic drivers. The clear instruments and vocals will be heard the way the artist intended to and the clean balanced bass response will better enhance the experience.

In addition, the lightweight design and metal housing allows the earbud to feel weightless and durable when listening to music. The three button remote can be used with both iOS and Android devices to play music, pause beats, and skip tunes altogether. Also, you can answer calls and talk through the built-in microphone, which makes the whole process a lot easier as you won’t have to reach for your device.

In the package you will receive three sets of silicone eartips of different sizes and one set of foam tips that are extra soft. In addition, you will get a shirt clip that you can conveniently use when doing intense activities, thus making the wire not irritating as it will stay in place.

In conclusion, the Brainwavz Delta Noise Isolating Earphones comes with a deeper frequency range and a gold plated 3.5mm plug. The three sets of silicon eartips are ultra-soft and comfortable to wear. Also, Brainwavz provide an extra comply foam eartip, which is even softer. Lastly, the 8mm drivers used output amazing sounds the way the artists intended the music to sound.

Tech Specs

Weight: 0.48 ounces

Noise isolating: Yes

Wireless: No

Warranty: 2-3 years

The Pros

Drivers tuned superbly

Comfortable to wear

Comes with multiple eartips

The Cons

Drivers sometimes can’t keep up with beats at full volume and static can be heard

Eartips disintegrate fast

6. Gikim Earbuds with Microphone

The eartips used in the Gikim Earbuds are high quality and long lasting. Also, they are noise canceling, which means you will hear the beat more efficiently. Plus, you get the eartips in three different sizes to ensure a long lasting comfortable fit.

Moreover, the earbuds come with a built-in microphone that you can use to talk on the go, and because of the noise canceling feature you will be able to hear your caller in crowded areas. In addition, you can use the button pad located on the cord to adjust the volume, skip tracks, and pause/play music.

The wide frequency response helps to deliver smooth bass without white noise, plus the distortion level of 3% is great for a budget earbud. Moreover, the cable cord length is 3.9 feet making it great for PC use or traveling, since the wire is long enough to run down your shirt.

To conclude, these earbuds are great quality for a budget product, because of all the small features. The built-in microphone and noise canceling eartips make the experience a whole lot different to traditional basic earbuds. Plus, you get an 18 month warranty that covers all defects in the product with an option to refund the earbud at its original price.

Tech Specs

Weight: 1.92 ounces

Noise isolating: Yes

Wireless: No

Warranty: 18 months

The Pros

Bass boosted

Noise canceling

Built-in microphone

The Cons

Microphone quality could be better

Volume control not compatible with newer smartphones

Best Cheap Earbuds Under $50

For those that have a limited budget, but want a decent level of performance should consider the under $50 category. You’ll find that the earbuds here offer good audio and some features that are typically found in much higher priced earbuds.

In this category you can enjoy accurate audio that can be delivered via cutting edge Bluetooth connectivity. Also some of the brands in this category can be recognised as some of the most reputable in the world.

7. SENSO Bluetooth Earbuds

The SENSO Bluetooth Earbuds output true HD high fidelity sounds with fast stable connections, because it uses the newer Bluetooth technology: Bluetooth 4.1. In addition, the CSR technology helps to provide smooth beats directly to the ears, since they help to tune the flow of the beat.

Moreover, the comfortable and secure earhooks provide a hassle free experience, because you won’t have to keep adjusting the earbuds. Also, the gel flex silicone earbuds stay firmly in place helping provide a noise isolating experience. Plus, the CVC 6.0 noise suppression further enhances the noise reducing effect allowing you enjoy music to the fullest.

In addition, the battery life is new and improved as it now uses lithium polymer batteries, which has an up time of 8 hours and a stand by time of 240 hours. However, unlike most wireless Bluetooth earbuds the SENSO Bluetooth only require 1.5 hours of charge.

To conclude, the SENSO Bluetooth Earbuds are excellent for sports, because they are waterproof with a rating of IPX-7. Also, the battery life is great lasting up to 8 hours on one single charge. The noise suppression technology CVC 6.0 helps you to focus on the music and not what’s around you.

Tech Specs

Weight: 0.16 ounces

Noise isolating: Yes

Wireless: Yes

Warranty: 3-4 years

The Pros

CVC 6.0 noise suppression technology

Long battery life

waterproof

The Cons

Sound quality could be better

Sometimes doesn’t connect to selected device

8. Symphonized NRG 3.0 Earbuds

The Symphonized NRG 3.0 Earbuds have unique acoustical properties that make the listening experience better. Handcrafted from wood the earbuds have extremely long durability and produces amazing sound quality with its newly developed drivers. With the help of the wider frequency response the earbuds can output crisp acoustics, deep bass, and clear mids without breaking at every volume level.

Moreover, the unique in-ear canal design isolates the noise around you, which helps enhance the listening experience. Reducing ambient noises allows you to focus only on the music and not what’s around you, plus you can hear every little note the artist intended you to hear.

In addition, the earbuds have volume control buttons located on the cable cord, which you can also use to answer/decline calls or play/pause music. The earbuds come in multiple colors letting you pick out a design that matches your personality and style.

To summarize, these earbuds look wonderful and are handcrafted to ensure maximum quality. The wood used is high quality and long lasting, plus the cable cord is made from tough oxygen-free copper. Add all these features together and you have a high quality earbud, which can output amazing crisp beats.

In addition, the integrated microphone and multi-function controls make the Sony MDRXB50AP Extra Bass Earbud a great product for smartphone users. No longer will you have to reach for your device when answering calls – simply press the correct button and enjoy calls in HD audio.

Moreover, the hybrid silicone earbuds provide long lasting comfort and the design of the eartips help reduce ambient noises. Also, the durable 1.2 meter flat cord is tangle free, which makes them convenient to travel with as you won’t have to waste time untangling the cord. A convenient soft carry pouch will be included upon purchase of this product, which will protect your earbuds from falls and other accidents.

In conclusion, the Sony MDRXB50AP Extra Bass Earbud is made with high quality materials to ensure a durable product. The 1.2 meter cable is flat making it tangle proof, thus you can focus on the music and not untangling the wire. Also, the earbuds have been bass boosted to provide a better listening experience, which works well with the noise isolating eartips.

Tech Specs

Weight: 2.4 ounces

Noise isolating: Yes

Wireless: No

Warranty: 3-4 Years

The Pros

Bass boosted

Easy to wear

Tangle free cable cord

The Cons

White noise can be heard

Microphone quality could be a little better

10. Tennmak Pro Dual Dynamic Driver Sport Earbuds

The Tennmak Pro Sport Earbuds are built with dual drivers in each channel totalling up to 4 drivers. These drivers used together provide thick strong bass, clear mids, and sensational highs. Also, the earbuds combined with the earhooks deliver great comfort and there is little chance of them coming loose.

In addition, the detachable cable can be switched up, therefore you can optimize the earbuds to better suit your activity. Also, the cable cord is highly durable and can withstand loads of up to 5Kg. However, if you were to break the wire or the earbud you can replace them easily and at half the cost, because you won’t have to spend money on a brand new product.

Moreover, the frequency response is excellent at 20 Hz to 20k Hz, which means you will be able to hear beats on the whole spectrum. Due to the drivers the sensitivity is 100 dB plus, thus when you listen to music at full volume the sound will not crack. Also, the gold plated MMCX connector plugs into devices easily and provides stable connections throughout the day.

To summarize, the Tennmak Pro Dual Dynamic Driver Sport is of premium quality for a budget earbud. The fact that it has a removable cable puts it far above other earbuds, because you can customize the product to your activity. Also, the earhooks fit onto the ear comfortably providing a stable fit and come in three different sizes.

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Joseph Flynt

I love diving into the latest and greatest in emerging technologies and seeing what they can do. I enjoy running when I'm not thinking about tech.